Get S quote
Sign in
Create Account  
STAY INSPIRED

Sign up for 3DSPRO Newsletter and get InSpiration with our content, news and exclusive offers.

Get S quote
Sign in
Create Account  

3D Plus™ Powder Coating

3d plus hardware solution_banner

Powder Coating 3D Printed Metal Parts

Powder coating is a finishing technique that enhances the aesthetics and durability of 3D printed metal parts. Powder coating involves electrostatically spraying a dry powder (usually composed of resin and pigment) onto the surface of a metal part. The coated part is then cured in an oven, where the powder melts and forms a smooth, even coating, resulting in a strong, protective coating that resists chipping, scratching, and corrosion.

What is powder coating?

Powder coating is a finishing process used to apply a durable, protective layer to various surfaces, particularly metals.

It involves spraying a dry powder composed of finely ground particles of pigment and resin onto the surface of the object. The powder is electrostatically charged, which helps it adhere to the electrically grounded surface. Once coated, the object is heated in an oven, causing the powder to melt and form a uniform, smooth, and solid layer.

Powder coating provides a high-quality finish that is resistant to chipping, scratching, and corrosion, making it ideal for both industrial and consumer applications.

The Advantages of Powder Coating

1. Powder coating creates a robust, hard finish that is more resistant to chipping, scratching, fading, and wear compared to traditional paint.

2. The thick, even layer of powder coating provides excellent protection against corrosion, making it ideal for outdoor and harsh environment applications.

3. Powder coating is free from solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it an environmentally friendly finishing option.

4. Available in a wide range of colors and textures, powder coating allows for customization to meet specific aesthetic requirements.

Powder Coating Process

1. Preparation: Start by thoroughly cleaning the parts to remove any dirt, grease, or residue that could affect adhesion. This often involves chemical cleaning or sandblasting to create a smooth surface.

2. Application: Electrostatically charge the powder coating particles using a spray gun, which creates a strong attraction between the powder and the grounded metal part. This ensures an even, consistent layer of powder is applied.

3. Curing: Once coated, the part is placed in an oven, where it is heated to a specified temperature. The heat causes the powder to melt and flow, forming a smooth, continuous film over the part's surface.

4. Cooling: After curing, the part is removed from the oven and allowed to cool. This solidifies the coating, resulting in a durable, protective finish.

5. Inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection to ensure the coating is uniform, properly adhered, and free of defects.

Quality Inspection Process

Check out the quality inspection process of powder coated parts at 3DSPRO.

Visual Inspection
Carefully examine the surface for any defects such as bubbles, runs, sags, or uneven coating. Ensure the coating is uniformly applied and free from visible imperfections.

Thickness Measurement
Use tools like a micrometer or an ultrasonic thickness gauge to measure the thickness of the powder coating. Confirm that it falls within the specified range for optimal protection and aesthetics.

Adhesion Test
Perform adhesion tests, such as the cross-hatch or pull-off test, to verify that the powder coating is firmly bonded to the substrate. This ensures that the coating will not peel or flake off during use.

Curing Verification
Ensure the parts have been properly cured by conducting tests such as the MEK rub test. This confirms the chemical resistance and integrity of the coating.

Hardness Test
Check the hardness of the coating using a pencil hardness test or a similar method to ensure it meets the required standards for durability and wear resistance.

Gloss and Color Consistency
Measure the gloss level using a gloss meter and compare the color against a standard to ensure consistency across all coated parts.

Corrosion Resistance Test
Conduct tests like salt spray testing to assess the coating’s ability to protect against corrosion, especially for parts intended for harsh environments.

FAQs

Check out the frequently asked questions of powder coating.

  • What is powder coating?-
    Powder coating is a finishing process that applies a dry powder to a part's surface, which is then cured under heat to form a smooth, durable layer. This method is popular for its robust protection against wear, corrosion, and impact.
  • Can all 3D printed parts be powder coated?+
  • How does powder coating compare to traditional painting?+
  • What finishes are available with powder coating?+
  • Is powder coating environmentally friendly?+

to get the paint Color Chart.

3DSPRO logo 1

NEWSLETTER

Get in Touch
About Us Contact A Real Person Invite Your Pal
Terms
General Terms and Conditions Customer Service Agreement Privacy Policy
Our Service

Can 3D Printing Help Me?

Capabilities

- All Capabilties - Selective Laser Melting (SLM) - Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) - Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) - Stereolithography (SLA) - Digital Light Processing (DLP)

Materials

- All Materials - All 3D Printing Metals - Aluminum - Maraging Steel - Stainless Steel - Titanium - All 3D Printing Plastics - Resin - Nylon - PP - TPU

3D Plus™ Solutions

- What is 3D Plus™? - Hardware Solutions - Software Services

Guarantee

- 3DSPRO Guarantee - Lowest General Cost - Safety Vaul - End-to-End Guarantee

Industries

- All Industries - Aerospace - Agriculture - Art and Design - Automotive - Consumer Goods - Energy - Medical - Robotics
Resources
Success Stories Gallery 3DSPRO Lab Blog News FAQ

Payment method Logos
ISO & SGS Logo
Copyright © 2024 3DSPRO Limited. All rights reserved.
Cookie Policy

3DSPRO collect cookies on your computer to provide more personalized services to you. By using this website, you consent to the cookies we use and our Privacy Policy

Accept